Bills introduced in Congress to make Benton MacKaye Trail a National Scenic Trail
Legislation to study the feasibility of the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) to become a National Scenic Trail was reintroduced in Congress by State Reps. Chuck Fleischmann, Steve Cohen, Chuck Edwards and Lucy McBath; and Senators Thom Tillis, Raphael Warnock and Ted Budd.
The Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025 would direct the U.S. Forest Service to advance the process for formally designating the BMT as the country’s 12th National Scenic Trail.
“The BMT, which was completed in 2005, provides an exceptional opportunity for tens of thousands of people to get outdoors each year and experience the stunning beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The legislation is a critical step forward in the Benton MacKaye Trail Association’s (BMTA) quest to have the BMT designated a National Scenic Trail. The designation would help protect our storied outdoor heritage for future generations, support local economies, and provide a wide array of recreation opportunities for everyone from day hikers to thru hikers, solo trekkers to families,” said BMTA President Bob Cowdrick.
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